Ali Salman is a seasoned investor, entrepreneur, and operator building transformative companies across legaltech, franchising, and industrialized construction. As an active partner in Lawtiq.com, founder of Global Franchise Brokers, and CEO of Workspace Modular, Ali’s work sits at the intersection of innovation, scale, and real-world problem solving.

Allison is an experienced founder and board member, initiating climate positive technologies and applying them to real world applications. Focused on decarbonizing the built environment and converting manufactured products into long-life carbon sinks. 2022 recipient of the AmCham Germany Female Founder Award.
Frequent speaker on topics involving climate and technology, including a TEDx Berlin talk entitled "Ornament & Climate" which launched the topic of storing carbon in buildings.

Made of Air transforms wood waste into biocarbon building materials that turn structures into permanent carbon sinks. Our Sequoia facade panels lock atmospheric carbon into buildings for decades while delivering high-performance, durable solutions. Berlin-based with growing production capacity, we're enabling the construction industry to move beyond carbon neutrality to actual carbon removal at scale.

Andrea is a Certified Executive Coach with an MBA, the host of the Ambition
Theory Podcast, a Forbes contributor and a top-rated speaker. She is
passionate about coaching women in construction to develop themselves,
set leadership goals and get results. Since 2018, Andrea has coached and
trained over 1,000 construction professionals. Before becoming a coach,
Andrea was a marketing leader that worked on some of the world's
best-known brands.

Angelo is a seasoned operations leader, speaker and author with a passion for improving the construction industry at the intersection of strategy and people. With a career spanning leadership roles throughout construction, Angelo brings a unique and refreshing perspective on the future of the industry, reflected in his social media following of over 200,000 construction professionals.

Angelo is also the author of “Human Side of Construction” and “Rebuild Construction” where he shares practical frameworks and insights for leaders navigating today’s complex business landscape.

His engaging style combines storytelling, actionable strategies, and a deep understanding of human behavior, making his sessions both inspiring and practical.

Whether speaking to executives or emerging leaders, Angelo’s mission is clear: to empower construction professionals to lead with connection, adaptability, and purpose in an evolving world.

A Bachelor of Science in Architecture graduate from The Ohio State University, he guides how VDC delivers maximum value within design-build’s “whole team” approach. A digital construction innovator for 20 years, he defines how people, processes, and technology unite to transform collaborative project delivery. He also leads best practices for integrating BIM-enabled technologies and digital tools that enhance team performance and deliver lifecycle value across the built environment. An industry thought leader, he has contributed to national publications, spoken at global conferences, and served as past chair of the AIA’s Technology in Architectural Practice community and on the BIMForum committee for the Level of Development (LOD) Specification.

Brian Turmail is Vice President of Public Affairs and Workforce at the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), where he leads communications, marketing, member engagement, market insights, and grassroots advocacy for the association’s 27,000 members. He also supports AGC’s workforce development efforts, including career and technical education advocacy, immigration reform, national recruiting campaigns, and the annual National Construction Industry HR & Workforce Development Conference.

Brian serves on the board of AGC Charities Inc., overseeing Operation Opening Doors projects that mobilize contractors to support veterans and the disabled community. He is based in Washington, D.C.

Ed DeAngelis is a construction executive and thought leader in human-centered leadership and organizational culture. As Founder and CEO of EDA Contractors, he has spent more than 25 years building a people-first company known for innovative exterior envelope solutions and strong workplace culture.

Ed is a leading advocate for “Humanity as a Strategy,” a leadership philosophy that integrates emotional intelligence, psychological safety, and trust as drivers of business performance and sustainable growth.

He serves on the boards of the Associated Construction Contractors of New Jersey, General Building Contractors Association, Roofing Contractors Association, Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware & Susquehanna Valley, and Turning Points for Children.

Ed’s leadership has earned recognition as one of Philadelphia’s Titan 100 CEOs (2025) and one of the Philadelphia Business Journal’s Most Admired CEOs (2024).

Erin Fantozz is the founder of EFDesigns, a strategic BIM execution firm helping architecture practices scale without adding internal staff.

After experiencing burnout in traditional practice, she began questioning how work is structured across AEC—and built a more flexible, fractional model that aligns talent to projects instead of payroll.

Today, her U.S.-based team supports firms with senior-level production and project capacity, helping them grow without the constraints of traditional hiring.

Erin’s perspective is simple: the industry doesn’t have a staffing shortage—it has a work model problem.

Jessica’s passion for the construction industry stems from its place in her childhood, growing up in the family sheet metal business. Her career began in public accounting before she eventually became CFO for a Commercial Electrical Contractor based in Kansas City. While in that position, she realized the need for a specialized accounting firm within construction, one that understood the industry’s complexities, processes, and people. From that discovery, Jessica founded her firm, New Lyfe Accounting (NLA), in 2017. Jessica holds a Masters of Science in Accounting from the University of Missouri, Kansas City, and has been a Certified Public Accountant for 15 years. She’s been a member of CFMA since 2013, holds a CCIFP designation, and is an active member of the Specialty Trade Committee of CFMA.

Josh Dorfman is a climate entrepreneur, author, and media personality focused on accelerating the adoption of practical climate solutions. He is the CEO and host of Supercool, a media company covering innovations that reduce carbon emissions, improve business performance, and enhance modern life.

Previously, Josh co-founded and served as CEO of Plantd, a carbon-negative building materials manufacturer recognized by Fast Company as one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies in 2024. He is also the creator of The Lazy Environmentalist, an award-winning media brand that grew into a television series, national radio show, and bestselling book series.

Josh’s work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Forbes, Fast Company, and Reuters, and he has become a leading voice at the intersection of sustainability, business, and innovation.

I started in commercial construction with a focus on prefab for over 20 years. Load Bearing LG Panels, Exterior Bypass Panels, Pods, Interior Finished Wall Panels and more. Success is a function of persistence. You can't give up the minute you hit a road block in this industry, you have to be willing to work hard to push through while everyone else has given up. I'm constantly reviewing change, to better equip myself and the company for the ever changing world around us. Motivated to exceed and excel in "everything" I do. Because my fear is not failure but succeeding at things in life that don’t matter!

Julie Riga is an award-winning executive leadership coach, international speaker, podcast host, and author dedicated to helping leaders and organizations thrive through change. With over 20 years of experience leading global teams across Fortune 500 companies, she combines real-world leadership expertise with practical coaching strategies that empower individuals to lead with confidence, resilience, and authenticity.

As the author of Stay on Course: The Life and Legacy of Ennio Riga, Chef to the Stars, Julie shares powerful lessons on perseverance, purpose, and personal growth. She is also the host of the Stay on Course podcast, where she interviews inspiring leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers who share insights on leadership, mindset, and success.

Through coaching, speaking, and consulting, she helps organizations develop stronger leaders, navigate transformation, improve communication, and build cultures where people can perform at their highest potential.

Kristin is an experienced business administration professional with over 15 years experience at innovative technology companies including DIRTT Environmental Solutions and diversified residential builder, Jayman Built.
She has a track record of strong performance in high-volume, high-pressure environments, and skillfully manages our day-to-day operations, strategic partner development, and customer engagement at ZS2 Technologies.

A nationally recognized expert in AI strategy and digital transformation for the AEC industry, Kristin helps firms move beyond hype to practical implementation.

A Fellow of SMPS (FSMPS) and Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM), she works at the intersection of technology, strategy, and industry leadership.

She specializes in AI education, change management, and strategic implementation through her AI First Steps framework. Her Minds & Machines symposiums, AI IQ Community, and consulting services equip firms with the clarity and tools to integrate AI competitively.

Known for her direct, no-nonsense approach, she focuses on the operational shifts AI creates—from decision-making and workforce transformation to contracts and differentiation.

Kristin makes complex topics accessible and actionable, inspiring leaders to think critically, act decisively, and stay ahead in the AI-driven future.

Conifer Advising is a mass timber consultancy advancing systemic change in real estate, design, and construction by making mass timber the default choice for developers and architects. The firm is led by Kristin Slavin, a seasoned expert with over a decade of experience across development, architecture, construction, and prefabrication.

Built on the belief that shared knowledge and collaboration accelerate adoption, Conifer Advising helps developers deliver innovative, low-carbon buildings more efficiently.

The firm partners with government agencies, institutions, developers, design teams, and manufacturers to overcome barriers to mass timber adoption. Its services draw on deep industry expertise to streamline projects, reduce risk, and eliminate rework—offering strategic design and preconstruction guidance, industry connections, market analysis, product development, and transforming bespoke delivery models into scalable building systems.

Laura has been leading teams to discover and implement sustainability goals since 2008. She led Emerald’s growth to an internationally sought-after partner to clients and their architects and project teams. Laura excels at facilitating eco-charrettes and strategy sessions that align the client's business and financial objectives with their corporate sustainability strategy or for building projects. She excels at leveraging embedded expertise on teams to create actionable solutions. Her experience spans manufacturing, financial services, non-profit, and government entities. 

Laura is known for her thought leadership and pragmatic approach to risk mitigation, cost savings, and actionable strategies that achieve measurable results. Additionally, she serves on the boards of USGBC Ohio, Entrepreneur's Organization of Cleveland, and the Greater Cleveland Partnership.

A Global Capital & Built Environment Strategist, tracking how money, talent, and technology flow through the built world—from skyscrapers and mixed-use developments to the workplaces and communities they shape. She bridges industries that rarely connect: corporate real estate, development, construction, private capital, and emerging tech.

With over a decade advising Fortune 500 real estate teams, developers, contractors, and family offices, she translates insider trends into strategies that anticipate capital shifts, position portfolios to win in changing markets, navigate the decentralization of work, and apply AI, blockchain, and emerging tools for an edge.

Founder & CEO of Aedifico ai and Host of Decentralized Everything, she shares unfiltered insights on the future of the built environment and the forces reshaping it—helping clients and audiences make bold, informed moves before the market catches up.

Nneoma Albert-Benson is an international human rights lawyer, social impact developer, and founder of BEFA Women and Child Care Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing the rights and dignity of women and children facing poverty, violence, and systemic injustice.

Founded in Nigeria in 2009, BEFA has provided legal aid, expanded access to justice, and supported women in rebuilding their lives. The organization holds Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council.

Nneoma is also co-founder of Helichrysum Construction and is leading the development of BEFA Haven — an integrated housing model designed to support long-term stability for working women and families.

Healthcare Planner, with more than 35 years experience in the design and construction
of hospitals and the life science facilities. My specialty is the integration of advanced medical technologies which was always exciting, albeit challenging.  
Lived outside of Boston in a small suburban town with my wife and two daughters. Worked at Harvard teaching hospitals for nearly 20 years before signing on to help build the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and subsequently other hospitals in the region.
Presently CEO of a start-up venture offering small pre-designed and fully equipped hospitals as a product. We believe our model will streamline the entire hospital building process and help make healthcare delivery more affordable and accessible.

Robb Andrade is the Managing Director of Overcast Innovations, a manufacturer of technology-integrated ceiling assemblies. He previously held leadership roles with Johnson Controls and Siemens Smart Infrastructure, including a global position in technology migration. His experience spans building systems, smart technologies, and IoT solutions across the built environment. Robb began his career in electronic warfare with the U.S. Navy and remains actively involved in advancing industry education and workforce development in Washington State. 

As a female founder, I am several years into building a business that is literally building.  We are purpose driven and environmentally mindful.  The mission is to build sustainable, quality constructed housing and commercial spaces that people can afford. Nothing could be more aligned with my beginings as a clinical social worker.  My desire to build healthy buildings and community stem from my exposure to building a healthy mindset.

Ryan E. Smith is Professor and Director of the School of Architecture at the University of Arizona and a leading researcher in industrialized and offsite construction. For nearly two decades, he has studied and advised on prefabrication, modular construction, and housing innovation worldwide. He is the author of Prefab Architecture and serves on several industry boards advancing scalable housing solutions. 

Before joining ZS2, Scott was President and Director of DIRTT Environmental Solutions, where he helped grow annual sales from $6 million to over $300 million in 11 years. He led DIRTT's successful IPO on the Toronto Stock Exchange, spearheaded three acquisitions, and oversaw the expansion of manufacturing facilities in Georgia and Arizona, as well as new sales offices in the U.K. and Singapore. 

Prior to DIRTT, he was CFO at Pure Technologies Ltd., a public company specializing in innovative infrastructure monitoring technologies, where he contributed to its growth and expansion into international markets, leading the acquisition of Openaka Engineering and supporting the company’s U.S. expansion He is also a co-founder and past Director of Decisive Dividend Corporation and a past Director of Progressive Planet Solutions Ltd. His career began at KPMG LLP and is a CPA, CA, a member of the Young Presidents Organization and a graduate of the University of Alberta.

Scott Reynolds is the CEO and co-founder of UpCodes, the developer of a comprehensive compliance and product research platform that makes code libraries more accessible. Scott’s background in architecture and extensive experience working in some of the largest cities in the world, including New York City and Hong Kong at world-class architecture firms, provides him with a unique perspective into the challenges AEC professionals face when accessing building codes and ensuring compliance. 

Tom Raftery is an international keynote speaker, sustainability strategist, and host of the Resilient Supply Chain and Climate Confident podcasts. His work focuses on climate innovation, digital transformation, supply chain resilience, energy systems, and the technologies shaping a more sustainable future.

Vikas Murali is the CEO and Co-Founder of Offsight, a software platform built specifically for prefab, modular, and offsite construction. With a background in enterprise technology and DfMA-driven manufacturing systems, he’s focused on helping the industry move beyond manual systems and processes and scale offsite production through modern, data-driven factory operations.

Wayne Larsen is a senior executive with more than twenty years of leadership experience in the technology and building product sectors of the construction industry. During this time, he has gained extensive experience directing platform development, manufacturing and complex supply chains end to end.

Wayne’s ethos is to challenge existing paradigms by applying systems thinking, technology and process automation solutions to achieve continuous organizational improvement, industry disruption and transformational change.

As a passionate business professional, Wayne is driven by the goal of achieving world class innovation and driving change to deliver exceptional operational, customer and shareholder outcomes.